Jefferson had a turnaround year in 2012, winning six games and qualifying for the NJSIAA North 1 Group III playoffs in one of the toughest brackets in the state.

The Falcons should be a playoff contender once again this season.

“We have a lot of our starters back from last year,” said veteran head coach Joe Mattessich, who begins his eighth season at Jefferson. “We know what it takes to be successful, but we have to be able to beat the playoff teams.”

The Falcons’ four losses last year, Madison, Lenape Valley and Hoboken in the regular season, then River Dell in the states, all came at the hands of playoff teams.

“We got a taste of what a playoff team is like,” Mattessich said. “We definitely have to play with more courage. When things don’t go your way, you have to be able to rely on each other. That’s our main word this year — courage. That’s what we need.”

There’s one thing that the Falcons don’t need and that’s a quarterback, as senior J.R. Reese returns for his fourth and final campaign with the Falcons. Reese, the son of New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese, is considered one of the top signal callers in New Jersey. Reese threw for 1,531 yards and rushed for 400 more last season, throwing for 19 touchdown passes.

“He can throw any pass, the deep ball, the flare out, the throw across the middle,” Mattessich said of Reese. “He also has the ability to change the play at the line. It’s like having an extra coach out there. His first option is to read the defense and then run. We’d like him to run more. The four years with J.R. went by so fast. He’s definitely our leader.”

How much? Well, at a recent early morning practice, the Falcons were done with their stretching exercises. It was time to hit the blocking sled and Reese was the one clearly leading the sprints by 15 yards to the sleds, then was among the first group to hit the sleds. What other quarterback does that?

“That’s how much he wants to win,” Mattessich said. “He’s a great and terrific kid.”

The Falcons also have talented backs Michael Barkley and Kyle Neuschatz back for another season.

(Page 2 of 2)

“Kyle is deceptively fast,” Mattessich said. “He also has great hands coming out of the backfield. He’s also a very smart football player. Barkley is a great blocker and he also has great hands.”

Junior Luke Bohn is another player who will see time in the backfield.

The receiving corps features Chris Hollenritter and Tyler Jones. At 6-5, Jones is a major target for Reese. The tight end is senior Vin Ginefra.

The Falcons return bookend tackles Vinnie Cannarozzi and Breiland Marion. Both have excellent size and quick feet. Cannarozzi is also one of the best golfers in Morris County.

Jake Miller is another returning starter along the line at center.

“We have some good size in the line,” Mattessich said.

Defensively, Cannarozzi is a fixture at defensive end, with Marion and Ginefra at defensive tackle.

Barkley returns as an inside linebacker, while Neuschatz is the team’s safety, after playing cornerback last year.

If there is one concern Mattessich may have, it’s depth.

“We really are not that deep, so we have to stay away from injuries,” Mattessich said. “We have to stay healthy, no question.”

Injuries are what hurt the Falcons in 2010 and 2011, when they posted consecutive 4-6 seasons, but never once played with a full roster. The Falcons should begin the 2013 season against Newton at full strength.

“We have a ton of skilled players,” Mattessich said. “Our line might be a bit of a concern. If the line can come together, we’ll be okay. J.R.’s the one who’s leading the charge. He’s an unbelievable leader. We go as he goes. He’s doing so much more offensively. I think we’ll find ways to score, because we have a lot of weapons.”